Freezers

Our test results will show you the top-performing models. Plus, we’ve covered the features you should consider when buying a freezer.

We’ve also tested freezers for temperature performance, warm-up and cool-down time, and much more. Learn about how we test freezers.

Chest or vertical?

There are two types of freezers: upright/vertical, which looks similar to a standard fridge, and chest, which has a hinging lid on top. Choosing your ideal type requires more than considering if it’ll keep your food cold.

Upright/vertical

Pros:

• easy to see and access food
  
• drawers and shelves for organising food
• most are frost-free
  
• small footprint.

Cons:

• not as good at keeping consistent temperature
• more expensive to buy.

Chest

Pros:

• available in larger sizes (500L+)
• better overall temperature performance
• cheaper to buy.
  

Cons:

• limited storage options (such as baskets)
• can be awkward reaching for food in the bottom
• usually requires manual defrosting
• takes up more space
• quicker to warm up during a power cut.

Vertical freezers interior layout

Vertical freezers are available with shelves or drawers which are easier to access. Shelves allow you to open the door and easily see what’s there. Some have extending telescopic runners, but check how easily they roll, their weight capacity and whether they have a lip at the front, sides and back to stop food falling out when you move them.

Sliding drawers may take up more potential storage space than shelves, but they make it easier to access food (check they slide smoothly). Some have opaque fronts, so you might need to label what’s in them to make finding things easier.

What else to consider

• Controls: Most freezer temperature controls should be regularly adjusted to account for ambient temperature changes. Upright freezers often have digital controls while chest models commonly have conventional dials, which can require a coin or screwdriver to adjust. Controls in upright freezers are often found on the front or inside of the compartment, which means you may need to move food to reach them. Chest freezer controls are often located low on the front or rear of the appliance. Check you can comfortably adjust the controls.
  
• Liners: Some freezers come with thin aluminium liners. Look for heavy-duty liners that won’t easily dent.
• Interior light: Lights are more common in upright models. Check the location of the light and how far it illuminates as food can block it.
• Defrosting and draining water: Most chest freezers need regular defrosting otherwise ice can build up, stopping food from being chilled effectively. Defrosting requires you remove all the food, warm the freezer up, then drain off melted water. To make this easier, look for a model with a drain bung at the front and a spout to help minimise spills. The drain should be high enough for you to fit a container underneath.
  

Keeping cool

You can help your freezer manage temperature and save energy by placing it in an area with stable ambient temperatures (for example, out of the sun and away from draughts). It’s tempting to put a freezer in the garage, but large doors regularly opening and closing can result in large temperature changes occurring around it.